Asia Cup 2022: More injury woes for Pakistan as Mohammad Wasim complains of back pain in training

The problems are in plenty for the Pakistan team at the moment as after Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim’s availability has become now a question. The pacer complained of back pain during a training session at the ICC Academy, Dubai. The 21-year-old was then taken for an MRI scan with the results yet to be known.

In the absence of Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim could have been Babar Azam’s go-to bowler in pressure situations. In the 11 T20Is that he has played, the pacer has picked up 17 wickets at an average of 15.88. Now, with just two days left for the biggest rivalry of cricket, his injury is very much a matter of concern for the entire Pakistan team and their fans.

According to reports, the team might not risk him by playing against India. Since back pain is a critical issue, it can hurt Wasim in the long run. With a home T20I series against England, a triangular T20I series in New Zealand, and the T20 World Cup to follow, the team management might decide to rest rather than risk him.

No official information has been released from the Pakistan camp regarding Wasim’s injury. Meanwhile, even though Mohammad Hasnain has been announced as Afridi’s replacement, the injured speedster is still part of the Pakistan squad. He is under rehabilitation and is working with fast bowling consultant Shaun Tait.

Apart from Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Naseem Shah will be available for the first match against India on the 28th of August, 2022.

PCB includes Umar Rashid as a support staff for the Asia Cup

At the request of head coach Saqlain Mushtaq, the Pakistan board has decided to include Umar Rashid in the Asia Cup. He will be working with Shaun Tait in order to develop the fast bowlers for the continental cup.

Umar has played an integral part in developing pacers in Pakistan. He is known for grooming young talents and has also helped Mohammad Hasnain with correcting his action in the recent past. He has an excellent track record working at the National High-Performance Centre (NHPC).